Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Hosta of the Day - 'Dick Ward'

Before I introduce today's hosta I want to remind everyone that this weekend is the Wisconsin Garden Expo in Madison.  It's a great way to beat the winter blues, as there are lots of flower and plants on display.  Every year I usually purchase one hosta to get me through until spring.

Pics from past years at Garden Expo
Today's hosta is 'Dick Ward'.  I first saw a mature 'Dick Ward' when I was touring gardens in Indianapolis during a hosta convention.  When I saw it, I knew I had to have it.  When mature, 'Dick Ward' has highly pebbled leaves that are slightly cupped.  It is a sport of hosta 'Zounds' which is a beautiful gold hosta.  'Dick Ward' has gold leaves with a wider dark green margin.  It takes a while for it to reach it's full maturity, so you have to be patient to see this hosta's real beauty.  In order for this hosta to really shine,it's best to keep it in place in the garden where it will only receive a couple hours of light a day.  I have mine paired with hosta 'Pizzazz' and 'Hi Ho Silver'.  It would look great with any white margined hosta or one that was very dark green or blue.

'Dick Ward' 2011
'Dick Ward' 2009